Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are listed as hosing the event, which runs this year from Oct. 27 to 31 and is being quarterbacked by the Action Group on Access to Justice (TAG).
“Nationally focused” topics will include artificial intelligence in the justice system, Indigenous leadership and keys to supporting youth in family law matters, according to a news release from the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). The theme this year: “10 Years Forward: Expanding Justice, Embracing Inclusion.”
“This theme of reflection and forward thinking is intended to signal the continued effort to reach underserved communities and emphasize the need to prioritize access to justice for those facing systemic barriers,” states the release.
Programming will include presentations and events national in scope and specific to provincial jurisdiction.
“In addition to national events, each participating province will host a series of local events, including free legal education seminars for members of the public, intended to help answer every day legal questions and connect participants to relevant legal resources.”
LSO spokesperson Jennifer Wing confirmed that TAG was established by the Ontario regulator in 2015 in a bid “to facilitate better coordination and collaboration across the justice sector.”
According to TAG’s event web page, national programming includes a clinic on how lawyers could — and should — provide accessible services; a discussion on access-to-justice challenges in employment, disability, immigration and Aboriginal law; and a talk on how to navigate the use of AI.
Virtual programming includes a course on accessing Indigenous “friendship centres” in Ontario, a lesson on preparation for paralegals, and a talk on making justice more inclusive.
Back in February, access to justice weeks were marked in provinces such as Alberta and B.C.
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